The weather's going to change before we know it. Extra stresses on our cooing systems from the heat, running the A/C, more people on the road and more traffic and more setting at lights.
Get your A/C checked now, before the busy season to avoid the sauna drive home some evening when it's 80 degrees.
Same thing goes for cooling systems. Years ago, cars had grills the size of barbecues. Now, cooling systems operate at much tighter temperature ranges, and are computer controlled. 99.9% of the time the computer does it's job, but it can only do so much. Changing out your coolant is an inexpensive and important aspect of maintaining your car/truck and making sure it gets you where you need to be when (believe it or not it will be) it's freakin' hot!
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Friday, March 6, 2015
Shopping for tires
I have a friend that says "good food's not cheap and cheap food's not good." We always teased him because he was a little on the heavy side and said he oughta know. But, the point is when you're shopping for tires cheapest isn't always best. A lot of it depends on what kind of driving you do and where you live. If you live in an area that gets lot's of snow like we do in Michigan, then you want a tire that has an outside tread that's open like this one:
So called "all season" tires are good for general driving and dry to wet conditions but if you drive in snow a lot, look for this open tread design.
So called "all season" tires are good for general driving and dry to wet conditions but if you drive in snow a lot, look for this open tread design.
Don't scrimp on tires. They are the contact point between you, your car and the road. They give you control during driving, braking, constantly vigilant to keep your car on the road.
When you do invest (and yes it's an investment) in new tires, get a front end alignment. It will show any problems that may wear your new, expensive tires prematurely. Or, better yet, choose a shop that will make sure you don't have any loose parts that will trash your brand new tires. You'll be amazed at how differently your vehicle handles with good/new tires. Oh and by the way, keep checking that tire pressure too!
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Dealing with your mechanic/shop
Sometimes people just don't click. You ever have that happen? You try to deal with a jewelry clerk or a shoe clerk or a hair dresser, or, a mechanic.
The funny thing is: you're usually not dealing with a mechanic or a service writer by choice. It's usually because something's happened. When something happens and you don't have wheels, you're screwed. Right? I know it, been there. After many, many years and advances in technology I don't go anywhere, especially for a test drive without my cell phone. I've broken down in customer's cars without it and it sucks.
To the point though. If you're having an issue with the way your car runs, shifts, handles, PAY ATTENTION! When does it do it? Only on the highway? When you start it first thing. Being a mechanic is sometimes like being a detective. I'll get a car to work on that says on the work order: "check leak." Ok, what kind of leak? Are you adding oil? Is it red? A tire? The more information you can give the people who will eventually get you back on the road, the quicker and more efficiently they can fix it.
We all get that car that only does (whatever it does) on the second Tuesday of the week and if the sun's out. I've chased my tail on many of these types of cars, so be patient. Your mechanic/shop should be willing to communicate where they are in the process, even if they aren't anywhere because they haven't gotten it to act up.
True story: I was working at a dealership and the owner stated that whenever his wife drove the truck and turned left it shut off. I was the third guy to look at it and of course after driving around for what seemed like hours, I never did get it to shut off. I asked the owner to come down and drive it with me. Sometimes people drive a little easier or more aggressively or whatever. There obviously had to be a problem because the customer was giving us his brand-new truck for the time it took to figure it out. He and I drove around a big parking lot doing left circles. We were just shooting the breeze when the truck shut off. He hit the brakes and held his hands up saying "I didn't touch anything." I looked at the dash and all the gauges were off. I reached over and turned the key and "click" every thing turned on and the truck started right up.
The next group of circles I watched the ignition key/switch. Sure enough after a few minutes you see it creeping backwards and eventually: "Click!" The ignition switch was bad and once we replaced it the customer never had another problem. But, what a weird problem that without really putting in the time and effort and involving the customer did we find it.
The funny thing is: you're usually not dealing with a mechanic or a service writer by choice. It's usually because something's happened. When something happens and you don't have wheels, you're screwed. Right? I know it, been there. After many, many years and advances in technology I don't go anywhere, especially for a test drive without my cell phone. I've broken down in customer's cars without it and it sucks.
To the point though. If you're having an issue with the way your car runs, shifts, handles, PAY ATTENTION! When does it do it? Only on the highway? When you start it first thing. Being a mechanic is sometimes like being a detective. I'll get a car to work on that says on the work order: "check leak." Ok, what kind of leak? Are you adding oil? Is it red? A tire? The more information you can give the people who will eventually get you back on the road, the quicker and more efficiently they can fix it.
We all get that car that only does (whatever it does) on the second Tuesday of the week and if the sun's out. I've chased my tail on many of these types of cars, so be patient. Your mechanic/shop should be willing to communicate where they are in the process, even if they aren't anywhere because they haven't gotten it to act up.
True story: I was working at a dealership and the owner stated that whenever his wife drove the truck and turned left it shut off. I was the third guy to look at it and of course after driving around for what seemed like hours, I never did get it to shut off. I asked the owner to come down and drive it with me. Sometimes people drive a little easier or more aggressively or whatever. There obviously had to be a problem because the customer was giving us his brand-new truck for the time it took to figure it out. He and I drove around a big parking lot doing left circles. We were just shooting the breeze when the truck shut off. He hit the brakes and held his hands up saying "I didn't touch anything." I looked at the dash and all the gauges were off. I reached over and turned the key and "click" every thing turned on and the truck started right up.
The next group of circles I watched the ignition key/switch. Sure enough after a few minutes you see it creeping backwards and eventually: "Click!" The ignition switch was bad and once we replaced it the customer never had another problem. But, what a weird problem that without really putting in the time and effort and involving the customer did we find it.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Choosing a shop
As a little bit of background on myself. When my wife and I were just married, we were quoted by a shop $400 to swap an engine in a car for us, we supply the engine. I found the engine, checked with the shop to make sure it would fit and when push came to shove, the bill was $750! "We had to swap some things over." When I approached the shop owner (me, of 21 years old and 120lbs. soaking wet) to be confronted by a couple of older more "beefy" gentlemen than I was, I paid the bill after a couple of weeks of saving up. I wish I'd have known at the time but had I gotten an estimate in writing, I might have got my ass kicked but I'd have at least had a legal leg to stand on. So, when I share some knowledge, it's from your point of view as the car owner, not as a mechanic or a shop owner.
I just wanted to post a few of my views regarding repair facilities, dealers and privately owned. I've worked in a few of both. Some I wouldn't take my car to for an oil change, others I literally had tears in my eyes when I left for another opportunity.
Find a shop that you're comfortable with. Either dealer or independent. If you feel like you're getting the hard sell about things (the $2000 oil change gas station, yes I worked there) and pressure to buy and you're not in an emergency "I need my car fixed now, that's why it's here" kind of situation, run. Get a second or third opinion. Get your estimate in writing, be cordial if you decline the work and avoid confrontation. Garage owners who are confrontational are generally threatened by anyone who a: either knows what they're actually talking about, or b: questions them beyond their honesty or knowledge or both.
If you're not broke down and at the mercy of where your vehicle is, don't be pushed into getting hundreds of dollars worth of work done. If you are at this shop and have to get back on the road at their mercy, ask to see all the parts they charged you for. Tell 'em your dad or your uncle's a mechanic and they're helping you pay for it and want to see them if they give you any crap. Either way, here in Michigan it's the law that you are entitled to all parts except those that are required for a deposit, kind of like a pop bottle. The shop pays the deposit up front for your part but they get their money back once they turn the old one back in. Minus the state tax of course. But, you still have a right to see those parts, BEFORE they are returned.
And always question, question question. If you don't understand what's being explained to you or whomever your talking to can't or won't explain it, ask to speak to someone else or on your behalf bring someone else into the conversation. Sometimes personalities just don't click, and when I'm on one end of the phone trying to explain why it's going to cost you $1800 to fix your car, it's not a pleasant deal, been there done that.
Getting your car fixed shouldn't be nerve wracking, other than it does cost money.
But I worked in a shop that when people came in for repairs, they inevitably ended up playing some Euchre or having grilled ribs while they were waiting! Now the family would fight and argue (family owned business) like cats and dogs but were honest as the day was long. I guess that's why they've been on the same corner for over 40 years.
It is Michigan State Law that you are to be provided with a written estimate. Now times have changed since that law was written and phone conversations (with proper documentation) e-mails, texts, are all considered by shop owners as viable forms of consent to spend your money. The law has not necessarily kept up with the technology, so don't be surprised if you're asked for your last 4 SS digits or something like that so that the shop owner can prove he/she got your authorization to spend money.
I just wanted to post a few of my views regarding repair facilities, dealers and privately owned. I've worked in a few of both. Some I wouldn't take my car to for an oil change, others I literally had tears in my eyes when I left for another opportunity.
Find a shop that you're comfortable with. Either dealer or independent. If you feel like you're getting the hard sell about things (the $2000 oil change gas station, yes I worked there) and pressure to buy and you're not in an emergency "I need my car fixed now, that's why it's here" kind of situation, run. Get a second or third opinion. Get your estimate in writing, be cordial if you decline the work and avoid confrontation. Garage owners who are confrontational are generally threatened by anyone who a: either knows what they're actually talking about, or b: questions them beyond their honesty or knowledge or both.
If you're not broke down and at the mercy of where your vehicle is, don't be pushed into getting hundreds of dollars worth of work done. If you are at this shop and have to get back on the road at their mercy, ask to see all the parts they charged you for. Tell 'em your dad or your uncle's a mechanic and they're helping you pay for it and want to see them if they give you any crap. Either way, here in Michigan it's the law that you are entitled to all parts except those that are required for a deposit, kind of like a pop bottle. The shop pays the deposit up front for your part but they get their money back once they turn the old one back in. Minus the state tax of course. But, you still have a right to see those parts, BEFORE they are returned.
And always question, question question. If you don't understand what's being explained to you or whomever your talking to can't or won't explain it, ask to speak to someone else or on your behalf bring someone else into the conversation. Sometimes personalities just don't click, and when I'm on one end of the phone trying to explain why it's going to cost you $1800 to fix your car, it's not a pleasant deal, been there done that.
Getting your car fixed shouldn't be nerve wracking, other than it does cost money.
But I worked in a shop that when people came in for repairs, they inevitably ended up playing some Euchre or having grilled ribs while they were waiting! Now the family would fight and argue (family owned business) like cats and dogs but were honest as the day was long. I guess that's why they've been on the same corner for over 40 years.
It is Michigan State Law that you are to be provided with a written estimate. Now times have changed since that law was written and phone conversations (with proper documentation) e-mails, texts, are all considered by shop owners as viable forms of consent to spend your money. The law has not necessarily kept up with the technology, so don't be surprised if you're asked for your last 4 SS digits or something like that so that the shop owner can prove he/she got your authorization to spend money.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Some More Winter Tips
Another winter time tip. Take the time to walk around your vehicle and make sure your lights and plate are not covered in snow and ice. Yes you will get pulled over if the police can't read your plate. Got pulled over in Potterville for that last summer because of the mud covering our plate. Any lights that are out can get you pulled over and more importantly, aren't safe.
Take two minutes to walk around. Watch your reflection on the car in front of you at the light or drive-thru. If you see someone with a light out and you get the opportunity, tell them.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Buying a used car
For many of you, buying a used car can be a daunting thought. Do I buy from a dealership or an individual? How do I know if I buy this car it's not gonna nickle and dime me to death?
First of all, unless you buy a brand-new car or truck with a warranty, there's no way to guarantee you're not going to have to put money into it. And some new car warranties even have a deductible so it could cost you no matter what. Buying so-called "certified pre-owned" cars can have an advantage. The dealership has an investment in repairing anything that they found after taking the car in and the price will reflect that. But these vehicles come with some kind of warranty.
Buying from an individual has a few different little twists. If the deal looks too good too be true, it probably is. It pays to have it inspected by a mechanic, one of your choosing, not theirs. If the seller is un-willing to allow an inspection, don't buy the vehicle. Consider what repairs your mechanic sees into the price when you negotiate.
Drive the car! Or have someone somewhat knowledgeable drive the car. And more than just right around the block. Put 10 miles on it. Go 55 and hit the brakes. Does it shake? Does it make any noise? Look for any obvious stains under the car or anything dripping off the car. Check the oil. Is it clean and full? What's the mileage on the sticker? What are the tires like? Are they all the same size? Is there a spare? I got stranded once when I was a kid the night I bought a used car with a flat, only to find out there was no spare or jack or anything. The people who's house I ended up in front of called the State Police on me and I was given a certain number of hours to move the car, which I think cost me a $55.00 tow bill in the middle of the night. Cover your ass. Anything that's promised or assumed must be in writing or it's not worth anything.
And as a side note, don't carry your title in your car. It's proof of ownership and if someone takes your car all they have to do is forge your name and they can get a title for it.
I'm sure there's more, but this is off the top of my head.
C
And as a side note, don't carry your title in your car. It's proof of ownership and if someone takes your car all they have to do is forge your name and they can get a title for it.
I'm sure there's more, but this is off the top of my head.
C
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Cold weather tips
I posted this on FB the other day and wanted to share with a larger, more focused audience. When temperatures reach the severe levels they have in the mid-west of late, any maintenance you've forgone will make itself painfully obvious. Namely, your battery. I see a lot of batteries fail at 2 years! And at 4, you better think about getting a new one if you live in extreme temperature areas.
If you do have a decent battery, when you start your car after it's been sitting for several hours, cycle your key from off to on, off to on. Turn your headlights on for a few seconds. This "primes" your fuel system, and the headlights being on will get the juices in your battery kind of stirring before you zap the crap out of it trying to start the engine.
You will usually find a stamp or some other marking that will tell you the age of the battery. If you have any doubts, just about any service station will check it for you for free. I know the local oil change place where I live will check them for free and their batteries have a 4 year replacement warranty.
If you do have a decent battery, when you start your car after it's been sitting for several hours, cycle your key from off to on, off to on. Turn your headlights on for a few seconds. This "primes" your fuel system, and the headlights being on will get the juices in your battery kind of stirring before you zap the crap out of it trying to start the engine.
You will usually find a stamp or some other marking that will tell you the age of the battery. If you have any doubts, just about any service station will check it for you for free. I know the local oil change place where I live will check them for free and their batteries have a 4 year replacement warranty.
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